StyleWhipped

Hot White

I have had a long-time, secret love-affair going on with Banana Republic's jewelry collection. I have featured pieces on here and waxed poetic about how on-trend, affordable and gorgeous their jewelry is. Major kudos to their buyer for nailing it season after season, bringing their customers necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings that look much, much more expensive than they are, are great quality, and are superbly current. Just last week, I bought a massively oversized necklace with huge rectangular stones set in gold tone with tiny crystal accents. It think it was only about $59 to begin with, and I got it on sale for about $25. ($25!!) It plays directly into the prominent everything-needs-to-be-stark-white trend this spring, but also came in a vibrant, saturated orange for anyone not quite ready to take the white plunge in early April.

So I thought I'd visit the retailer's website to check out what else they had that I might just have to add to my please-more-white jewelry wardrobe for summer...and I found not one byt two other amazing necklaces. The first, the "Bold Gem Necklace," is quite similar to what I bought, just with round stones instead of rectangular. So because I've gotten so many compliments on the one I got, this is definitely something I will be buying as a perfect gift (who wants one?!), especially at $59.50! And again, if you're not ready for the white movement, this comes in bright yellow, super-trendy mint green, and that gorgeous orange.

But the piece I think is a must-have for me personally is the "Delhi Delight" semi-precious bib necklace...with the palest, almost-white milky aqua calcedony stones, 10k gold-plated finish, and incredible, I-found-it-at-a-bazaar-in-India vibe, this one is worth the $225 pricetag. You can wear this all year long, with so many different looks that I can't even begin to list them all. Easily becoming your "signature" piece, this piece's whole collection is only available for a limited time, so you don't have to worry that every other woman you pass on the street will also have it!

Banana Republic also currently has really pretty, fun earrings, bracelets and rings in various shades of white...so make sure to check out the whole line. And you're welcome...sometimes I don't like to share my secrets ;)

~ Alison.

Danielle Aspromatis: It's In the Bag...

Let's face it...whether you are 5 or 55, when you go to a party and get a goody bag you are PSYCHED! So when planning a child's birthday, tap into your inner kid and make sure that goody bag is awesome...not to mention coordinated with the theme, of course. Whether you are filling it with candy (you can't ever go wrong with candy), little toys, or fun beauty products and costume jewelry, the bag is also just as important as what's inside.

I love these personalized good bags from The Trendy Butterfly. The owner of The Trendy Butterfly is a local NJ gal with a gift for everything personalized. These goody bags double as a thank-you because you can customize with any message you'd like. They are roomy and you can coodinate them with your theme. You can choose from "girl" goody bags, "boy" goody bags, "holiday" goody bags...and if you don't see something you like, customize all you want! You can even make your own adult goody bags for weddings, birthdays and other social events. These are great for hotel welcome boxes during a wedding with the couple's initials or monogram, or even with a logo for a corporate event. 

If I were a kid, I would LOVE to have gotten this arts and crafts goody bag! (Who am I kidding, I would still love to get this!)

And you can never go wrong with a princess party or a sports themed party

 

These are also a great addition to any candy bar...really, the uses for these are endless!

-Danielle

Four of a Kind

Nope, not a poker reference (because basically, "4 of a kind" is the extent of my poker knowledge...), but rather a reference to my latest favorite jewelry look. While super-skinny rings are great for stacking, I also love wearing one on each finger of the same hand, at the same time. Sort of a throw-back ode to all those crazy silver rings we wore at the same time in the '80's, this is a modernized, boho-chic version of that look. I am building my own incarnation of this trend, and on my right hand often wear one ring with a pave'd diamond bar on my pinkie in yellow gold, a pave'd, teeny-tiny eternity band in yellow gold on my ring finger, and am picking up my new 8-diamonds-in-prong-settings band tomorrow for my index finger (this one is in rose gold, just to spice things up...). Next up is finding another one in rose gold for my middle finger, and I'll have my own "four of a kind."

Now clearly in my version, not all these rings are the same...in fact, they all look fairly different, but all have the same feel and size to them. You can absolutely find one perfect diamond band and buy it in four sizes to fit each of your fingers. But sometimes it shows a little more thought, a little more originality, and a little more personal style when you put your own twist on a trend. And while it's always nice to be able to afford to do this look in real diamonds, you can absolutely get away with costume pieces...just make sure to take them all off before you wash your hands or apply lotion to keep the finishes looking good for as long as possible.

However, if you do have the funds to buy real...well, please do! And this set from Bony Levy is one of my very favorite twists...all four rings are identical in shape, size and style, but all are different too: one is white diamonds in yellow gold, one is white diamonds in rose gold, one is white diamonds in white gold, and one (the coolest one, of course) is black diamonds in white gold. So you get a little rainbow of diamonds across your hand, but because of how thin and delicate these are, the whole thing never looks overdone or gaudy. Just really cool, really chic, and really sparkly!

So take a break from wearing that one big cocktail ring and try out your own version of four-of-a-kind...it makes just as much of an impact and is actually more versatile - let this become your everyday signature look, wearing it on the weekends with leggings and a flowing tunic but also with your most professional suit to work. And come to think of it, they wouldn't look so bad on a hand holding a winning hand either...;)

~ Alison.

Layered Love

Everyday, I wear an oversized men's watch, layered with some combination of chunky and delicate bracelets. My left arm now no longer feels right without the weight of both the big watch and the multiple bracelets. My go-to combination, whether I am wearing a yellow- or rose-gold watch, is a bracelet of oversized clear crystals, a yellow gold skinny chain bracelet with a bar of pave diamonds, and a stretchy bracelet of hematite beads with a rose-gold and pave CZ disc. I then change things up from there, substituting others in, or completely altering the look when I need to be really formally dressed. 

The stretchy hematite bracelet is from a line of pieces sold on Max & Chloe, one of my favorite online jewelry retailers. Available in so many different permutations (onyx beads, grey crystal beads, tiny white pearls) with so many choices of details ("faith" in pave CZ's, pave CZ'd crosses), you are bound to find multiples that you absolutely have to have (and wear all together!). These make fabulous gifts (to a girlfriend, your mom, yourself...), and even with their varied tones of gold or silver, they all work with each other in a cool, boho-chic kind of way. Additionally, they are tiny & delicate, so their messages are quiet (perfect for making someone look just a little closer to see what you are really wearing...). Two of my favorites are an onyx-beads-and-rose-gold-&-CZ-skull (tough but still cute) and a hematite-beads-and-yellow-gold-CZ-"love" (sweet but still subtle). Wear these two together, on their own, with other pieces, next to something big and oversized...you name it, they work!

~ Alison.

Minty Fresh

I love mint green. This delicious-as-a-scoop-of-sorbet hue can come across as both cool and warm at the same time, is fairly universally flattering (it has both hints of blue and yellow in it), screams "spring is here!" but can also add a dash of "frost" to an otherwise dark winter look, and it always, always looks really fresh and modern when done the right way (in other words...do not wear a head-to-toe mint green floral print or you will look like your grandmother's chaise...). 

This color is everywhere for the coming spring season, so try not to overdose. And sometimes, a trendy color is best left for accessories or as an accent instead of front and center (think a handbag instead of a dress) so that you can keep it around for more than one season. Which is why this necklace from Statements by DCK is the ideal piece to incorporate into your wardrobe! Not only is it a super statement-maker, but it's bib silhouette is also perfectly on-trend. The necklace's oversized, glossy geometric-shaped stones give you that cool-girl factor, but the gold-tone setting brings in an amazing dose of glamour. Wear this with an otherwise monochromatic outfit (grey, black, camel, white) to keep the focus on the shot of color, and don't hesitate to have it be the casual part of a formal outfit (topping a fancy evening gown) or the dressed-up piece alongside faded jeans and a fitted white t-shirt. 

Now, how long till we see some green outside?!

~ Alison.

Green with...Love

I have a big issue with how everyone wants to feature everything that is pink or red for Valentine's Day. Now don't get me wrong...I am a big romantic, I love both of those colors, and understand the marketability of themed colors & gifts. But what about just finding something you love to buy yourself? Or what about going outside of the box and really thinking about what your gift recipient would want (even if it is a V-Day gift)? 

Lately, I've been on a huge bigger-is-better and more-is-more kick. Especially when it comes to jewelry. Just this past week, I've gotten so many compliments on my new rhinestone and turquoise ring that is just about bigger than my hand...and the matching earrings that (no joke) pretty much give me a headache the minute I put them on because they are so big and heavy. (Yes, I wear them anyway...did you not read where I said how many compliments I've been getting?!) So when I spotted this immense ring from Iosselliani with its single, gorgeously green Swarovski stone set in matte brass, I was green with love. Normally $230, it's actually currently on sale for only $115, so snap one up before they are gone. Keep it for yourself, or give it as a beautiful, perfectly not-red-or-pink Valentine's Day gift...;)

~ Alison.

Letter From the Editor: Custom Menswear from Clifton Charles

Last year, I had the pleasure of meeting Clifton Berry, who along with Wayne Taitt, is one half of Clifton Charles, an amazing custom suit & shirt destination. According to Clifton, who I finally had a chance to sit down and chat with (there we are in the photo below), they are "selling confidence." And there is nothing more of a confidence-booster to a man than a perfectly fitted suit and shirt combo. And here in NYC, Clifton Charles is THE place to go to buy some confidence...

In 2008, Clifton and Wayne, who were college friends that both ended up working in finance for 12 years, realized there was a major missing piece of American menswear, quit their jobs, and launched Clifton Charles. Not only were off-the-rack shirts not fitting them the way they really wanted, but while on his honeymoon in Shanghai in 2005, Wayne had discovered how quickly you could get custom suits made. But being the business-savvy guys they were, both Clifton and Wayne also knew that they had to somehow straddle both the luxury and value markets (we all remember what happened to our economy in 2008...). 

So they did their research and talked to endless potential clients. And they came up with a way to provide all made-in-the-USA suits and dress shirts from fabrics sourced from the UK and Italy (all of their shirts are made from sumptuous full Peruvian pima cotton) that can be made in a shockingly short amount of time (10-15 business days for shirts; 4-6 weeks for suits). There is no minimum of how many pieces you have to buy, and those shirts? 100% custom for $100-$150 (Seriously!) Wait, it gets better...their suits will run you anywhere from $895 to $1295. And in terms of quality, attention to detail and fabrication, a Clifton Charles suit at $895 is comparable to a $3,000 designer suit you'd find in a department store. Oh, and don't forget...theirs is custom...which means it is made from scratch according to your measurements...with your choice of fabrics, finishes, and free-of-charge extra perks like fabulous linings, monograms on your shirt cuffs, and more. The guys will even act as personal stylists, helping you to make your choices (wider leg or narrow? what kind of lapels? single-breasted or double?) with your lifestyle and preferences in mind. 

I know you are wondering if you fit into the average Clifton Charles customer. And while some of their clients are in fact CEO's of major banks, professional althetes, and the like, their clients are also lawyers, bankers (who aren't the CEO...) and every other type of suit-wearing executive. They come from all over the world (from as far as Australia) and flock to trunk shows the company hosts in other cities like Chicago, Washington DC, and Los Angeles. And because once your measurements and preferences are in their system, you can order new suits and shirts anytime online. No need to be in NYC...you just need to be aware that you need more of these beautiful pieces in your wardrobe! And just how beautiful are they? Well, I was personally excited enough to want to share the company with our readers here. The fabrics feel like the finest air. The details are perfectly tailored and finished. The cheeky extras (like purple iridescent silk linings...) will make you feel like a rockstar in a suit. 

My suggestion? Pay Clifton Charles a visit online or at their Manhattan showroom at 30 West 18th Street. Because that confidence? Yeah, you will have just bought it.

~ Alison.

(Check out our model starting the process of ordering a custom suit with Clifton's help...I have a feeling he is going to be very happy with the result!) Model: Kaolin Bass / All photos: Andrew Werner Photography

The Pink Shoulder

This is the opposite of the "cold shoulder." This is about clutch-size bags, in pink. This is about said bags being adorable, warm, useful, fun, and so very right now in fashion. I have no idea why I get on certain fashion "kicks," but I do. And at this moment, I want everything to be pink. But not just any pink...I want irreverent, bright-as-can-be, maybe-I'm-a-human-Barbie pink. And while I (always) adore my massive collection of clutches, lately I also would love to actually be able to use both my hands while out and about! So what does that mean? It means I want a clutch bag with a shoulder strap (I can't bear the thought of lugging around giant handbags that I am just tempted to fill up, therefore giving myself an instant neckache...). And I want it to be hot pink. Luckily, the fashion gods are on my side right now, and this exact bag is easy to find...in fact, I found three that I just had to share. Three that give off three completely different vibes: ladylike, cool and glam (which are, clearly, three vibes that we all need to be able to access in our wardrobes at any time...). 

MCM, one of my very favorite handbag designers, always brings the ladylike element into all of their bags. This one, in rich dark pink patent with a gold-tone chain strap, is perfect for an important business meeting, lunch with the girls on the Upper East Side, or a day of boutique shopping...

From The Cambridge Satchel Company, we get this super-cool, rocker-girl bag in futuristic metallic rose and silver...I want to carry it on a night out to see downtown live music or when going to dinner in the Village. Its outside pockets are actually really useful, making this the perfect day-to-night piece...

And lastly...the glam. Ah, the glam. And who better than to bring it than my girl Diane von Furstenberg? The hot pink satin, the gold lips emblem, the satin & gold chain strap...this one I need. Like, need. To wear on any night out, to any fashion-industry event...well, to just about anything...

So give someone the pink shoulder from now on. It's way cuter than the cold shoulder ;)

~ Alison.

Danielle Aspromatis: Moon and Lola Monograms

Girls are hard to buy presents for sometimes...and therefore, brides become stumped as to what to buy bridesmaids, boyfriends become stumped around Valentine's Day, and friends are totally out of ideas for their friends' birthdays. So when I saw Moon and Lola's acyrlic monogram necklace, I immediately not only jotted it down on my personal wish-list, but I had to take note of it for future gift-giving. The best part is that they come in so many colors! So if you decide to get them for your bridesmaids, you can get each girl a different color that matches who they are....black or white, turquoises and blues, yellows, pinks..even clear or tortoise (my two favorites!). If you are buying for a girlfriend, simply make it her favorite color (or give her a splash of color if she tends to wear neutrals a lot!). At $58, they are very reasonable...just make sure you leave yourself enough ordering time, as each custom necklace takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Don't forget to check out Moon and Lola's  entire jewelry line of earrings, necklaces and bracelets. They have so many great monogram pieces. Another great gift is their acrylic monogram keyring...you can find it easily in your purse and you will always know which keys are yours! Love it! For all you girls who can never get the Valentine's Day present you want, slip Moon and Lola's web address in front of your significant other's nose ASAP!

- Danielle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jennifer Corcione: The True Gift of Music...

2012 has certainly been an incredible year for music! Firstly, I want to thank all of you wonderful readers for giving me the opportunity to share with you all of the wonderful music/awards shows commentary/interviews I have posted. I am most grateful for the opportunity to have you join me in my music journey! And now…let’s get right down to it!

With only days until Christmas, I’m sure many of you (like me) are still in the last-minute scramble to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. That one aunt or uncle who you never know what to give them (but they always manage to give you the best gift ever.) Your favorite hairdresser who always makes you look fabulous and always listens to your life story each time you’re in the chair. Even when you have to survive the daunting “Secret Santa” gift exchange for someone you’ve never spoken more than two words to.

Yes, we all have those last-minute gifting mental blocks – whether we’d like to admit it or not. But this year, instead of grabbing for that Dunkin’ Donuts gift-card or the generic box of chocolates, get a little creative and share the gift of music! Homemade playlists are always appreciated, but for those of you short on time and patience, why not try a few of these stocking stuffer suggestions?

For the alternative junkie: We all have that one person in our lives still stuck in the 90’s alternative rock scene. And while I would love to suggest adding Foo Fighters to their collection, why not try something a little different – like the latest Smashing Pumpkins album Oceania? Billy Corgan and Co., like the years, have evolved their sound little by little, yet retained that wonderful rock quality that brings us back to ripped jeans, flannel shirts, and Doc Martens. (And for a real reminiscent moment, “The Celestials” might just do the trick.)

For the “Old Soul”: When nothing else will do but one of the classics, I say figure out preference of genre and have some fun! If they’re into the 60’s folk scene, then Bob Dylan’s Tempest might satisfy the itch, because Dylan is just awesome. Or for a little more 70’s/80’s rock n’ roll, nothing says classic like the boss himself, Bruce Springsteen! Wrecking Ball truly captures quintessential Springsteen – and yes, being a Jersey girl, he’s one of the best! And if they’re truly a soul kind of person, then Bobby Womack’s The Bravest Man in The Universe will work just nicely – check out the track “Dayglo Reflection” featuring Lana Del Ray.

For Mr./Ms. “Off The Beaten Path”: There will always be that one person who doesn’t quite fit into a particular category – especially since they love to take chances with their music! (Obviously, my favorite person in the world to shop for.) If you can’t figure a particular genre to work with, then why not try out some bluegrass rock for a bit of a challenge? Trust me, those ‘eclectic tastes’ will appreciate it when you decide to hand them the latest Avett Brothers album The Carpenter.  And if they can’t get enough, add a little Alabama Shakes Boys & Girls to the mix! “Hold On” has found a permanent home on my iPod.

For the modern-day British Invasion fanatic: The British music scene has made a bit of a comeback since Mumford & Sons. And yes, I would recommend getting Babel because it’s just that wonderful – no joke, go out and get it…for everyone! (And of course Adele – but do I even need to mention her?!? This is just a given.) Yet if you’re looking for a non-Mumford gift item, you could also try out Allo Darlin’ and their latest album Europe. I’ve really been into “Capricornia” and “Northern Lights” these days…I have a feeling your gift recipient will be too!

For the traditional Holiday enthusiast: I’ll admit it: I’m a holiday junkie! And for those you know who are just like me, what else will do but a holiday album? Especially for this season, I highly recommend Michael Bublé’s Christmas. This modern-day heartthrob can make anyone swoon with his throw-back crooning style. I may also be slightly addicted to his rendition of “Jingle Bells” featuring the Puppini Sisters…or his homage to Mariah Carey by covering her famous holiday hit “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” And if they’re a true traditionalist – then Bublé nails it with one of my all-time favorites “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.”

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Whether they’re into electronic or disco or even heavy metal, remember that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones is time together…and some great tunes!

- Jenn